HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A suspect was taken into custody after leading officers on a chase from Polk County, ending in a standoff that temporarily caused a shutdown on the Eastex Freeway.
The southbound lanes were closed at 7 a.m. and reopened around noon, according to Houston Transtar.
Before the chase, around 5:18 a.m., the suspect walked into the Alabama Coushatta Indian Reservation just outside Livingston, according to authorities. After allegedly robbing the casino and person, he fled. The Tribal Police were alerted to the scene within a minute when patrons and employees pointed out the white Charger the suspect fled in.
A chase began and the suspect led police through Livingston, south of U.S. 59. Polk County authorities, DPS, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and other units also joined in the chase.
Police said a tire on the suspect’s vehicle blew out and the vehicle came to a stop between Kingwood and Northpark, which caused damage after several collisions in Livingston.
Law enforcement approached the vehicle with weapons drawn, according to police. The suspect then exited the vehicle and surrendered.
According to Tribal Police Chief Rex Evans, this has never happened at the Casino in its history.